Mini-Z Transmitter Upgrade Guide

The transmitter that ships with a Mini-Z ReadySet is designed to hit a retail price point. It works, but it gives you almost no tools for actually dialing in the car. No model memory, minimal rate adjustment, no expo.

Once you’ve spent time working on your setup, you understand how limiting that is. A better transmitter doesn’t make the car faster — it gives you the controls to use what the car is already capable of.

What You’re Missing With Stock

Expo (exponential steering curve) — Makes the steering less sensitive around center while maintaining full travel at the extremes. At Mini-Z scale, where small inputs at speed matter enormously, expo makes the car dramatically easier to drive smoothly. This is the single biggest improvement a transmitter upgrade brings.

Dual rate — Reduces or increases overall steering travel. Useful across different track types: more rate for tight technical tracks, less for fast sweeping layouts. You can set this per model and switch on the fly.

Model memory — Saves all settings per car. You can switch between your MR-03 and MA-020 without resetting everything. Essential once you own more than one car.

Throttle curve — Shapes how the throttle responds to trigger input. Analogous to expo for steering. Useful for managing brushless power delivery and making corner exit more manageable.

Subtrim and servo travel — Fine-grained control over servo center and endpoint travel. Lets you get the steering perfectly centered without physical trim on the car.

The ASF Protocol

Mini-Z uses Kyosho’s ASF (Advanced Spread Frequency) 2.4GHz protocol. Your transmitter and receiver must use the same protocol. All OEM Mini-Z receiver boards are ASF.

When shopping transmitters, verify ASF compatibility explicitly. The Kyosho Syncro EX-6R and KO Propo EX-1 KIY both speak ASF natively. Generic 2.4GHz transmitters from other surface RC brands typically will not work without replacing the receiver board — an expensive and complicated detour.

The Syncro EX-6R: The Right First Upgrade

The Kyosho Syncro EX-6R (model 82031) is the natural first transmitter upgrade for Mini-Z. ASF-native, no adapter required. Features per-model memory, expo on both steering and throttle, dual rate, subtrim, and throttle curve.

The ergonomics are well-suited to Mini-Z — the trigger feel and wheel resistance are calibrated for the scale. Setup from box to driving takes under five minutes.

This is the right choice for most drivers running club-level racing or casual track sessions. The price-to-feature ratio is strong, and you won’t outgrow it quickly.

The KO Propo EX-1 KIY: Competition Grade

The KO Propo EX-1 KIY ASF Ver.3 is what drivers at the Kyosho Cup level run. It’s a modular design — the KIY grip system is interchangeable across KO Propo’s transmitter line — and the signal resolution is noticeably higher than the EX-6R.

Resolution in transmitter terms means how many discrete steps exist between center and full lock. More steps means finer control at small inputs. At Mini-Z scale and speed, the difference between 512 and 1024 steps is perceptible, especially when the car is at the limit in a corner.

Additional features over the EX-6R:

• Independent four-wheel steering and throttle curve programming
• Multiple model types with full setup storage
• Adjustable servo speed control
• Higher-quality mechanicals throughout

The EX-1 is more transmitter than most drivers will use. If you’re competing seriously at a regional or national level, it’s the right tool. For club racing, the EX-6R is where the money is better spent.

What to Avoid

Non-ASF 2.4GHz transmitters — Require replacing your receiver board. The cost and complexity of that conversion makes it a worse path than buying an ASF-native transmitter.

Older FM/AM transmitters — No. The 2.4GHz ASF protocol exists for good reason. Don’t go backwards.

Pairing a New Transmitter

ASF binding is straightforward:

1. Power off both transmitter and receiver.
2. Hold the binding button on the receiver board (location varies — check your car’s manual).
3. Power on the receiver while holding the bind button.
4. Power on the transmitter.
5. The receiver LED will indicate successful binding — typically a solid light after flashing.

Once bound, check and correct servo center with subtrim before driving. Confirm steering direction is correct. These take 60 seconds and avoid surprises on track.